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Father Lopez' sculpture bridges communities

Father Jairo Lopez stands before the obelisk statue he created in front of the Marble Falls Visitor Center.

A downtown reception will be held in Marble Falls Friday, Dec. 24, to honor one of the Highland Lakes most revered artists, Father Jario Lopez.

When you visit the Highland Lakes, you are visiting an unofficial gallery of Father Lopez’ artistic work. On the city streets, local homes and Saint John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls, his art is lovingly displayed.

Beginning at the turn of a new century, Father Lopez’s calling to mosaic art and to the Highland Lakes were in harmony. With reserve and reverence he explains, “Art lasts forever.”

In the year 2000, his art and his work meshed when he arrived in the rolling hills and lakes. "It's a part of my prayer life and my spirituality, for when you meditate, you see the beauty of God in the materials, colors and textures,” he smiles with having spoken his heart.

His seaming of church and community is similar to his mosaic art.

"The colors, textures and materials of a mosaic, are my parishioners. They are all of different styles, sizes and cultures. The community is one big mosaic. Without one piece, the image isn't finished," he eloquently said. Father Lopez studied at the Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, Italy and continues to grow his talents and ministry while now serving St. John The Evangelist in San Marcos, Texas.

For 17 years, Father Lopez was a present face and contributor to Sculpture On Main. His legacy comes from the bridge that spans Lake Marble Falls. Built in 1936, the old Highway 281 bridge was demolished and replaced in 2013.

Father Lopez was commissioned by The Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce, with financial support from Sculpture On Main, to create a piece with parts of the old bridge symbolizing the “bridging” of old and new. The obelisk sculpture is located in front of the Marble Falls Visitor Center, just north of the bridge.

To honor his contribution to the city, a reception and rededication of his work will be held Thanksgiving weekend. The reception is Friday, Nov. 24, from 3-6 p.m. at Jolie on Main, 112 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Marble Falls. Live music, Christmas treats and spirits will be an early gift for the holiday season … all just steps from the Walkway of Lights along the lake.

With an 11year history, Sculpture on Main is a public art project located on and around Main Street in Marble Falls, Texas and is produced by Highland Lakes Creative Arts — a 501(c)(3) non profit.

St John The Evangelist church sanctuary is open daily to viewers – 105 Ranch to Market Road 1431 East, Marble Falls.

New to Sculpture on Main this year is OtoCast, an app download to your phone, allowing the viewer to hear the artists’ inspiration for each piece in their own words.